Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a relevant strategy in regenerative medicine due to their multipotent differentiation capacity, immunomodulatory properties, and therapeutic applications in various medical fields. This review explores the therapeutic use of MSCs, focusing on their role in treating autoimmune disorders and neoplastic diseases and in tissue regeneration. We discuss the mechanisms underlying MSC-mediated tissue repair, including their paracrine activity, migration to injury sites, and interaction with the immune system. Advances in cellular therapies such as genome engineering and MSC-derived exosome treatments further enhance their applicability. Key methodologies analyzed include genomic studies, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and bioinformatics approaches to optimize MSC-based interventions. Additionally, we reviewed preclinical and clinical evidence demonstrating the therapeutic potential of MSCs in conditions such as graft-versus-host disease, osteoarthritis, liver cirrhosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. While promising, challenges remain regarding standardization, long-term safety, and potential tumorigenic risks associated with MSC therapy. Future research should focus on refining MSC-based treatments to enhance efficacy and minimize risks. This review underscores the need for large-scale clinical trials to validate MSC-based interventions and fully harness their therapeutic potential.

Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective treatment for obesity and its associated metabolic disorders, yet the underlying mechanisms are only partially understood. Evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays an important role in metabolic regulation and can be significantly altered by bariatric and metabolic procedures. This prospective, single-center study aimed to evaluate the dynamic changes in the gut microbiota composition and diversity in obese patients undergoing two types of bariatric surgery: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Fecal samples were collected at three time points—before surgery (T0), and at 3 (T3) and 6 months (T6) postoperatively—and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3–V4 regions with Illumina technology. Significant shifts in microbial diversity and structure were observed over time, indicating a trend toward microbiota normalization post-surgery. Notable changes included a reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. These alterations occurred in parallel with improvements in body mass index (BMI) and metabolic parameters. Our findings suggest that bariatric surgery induces favorable and sustained modifications in the gut microbiota, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects in obesity management.

Obesity in the pediatric population has become a public health problem with an increasing prevalence in recent years. The gut microbiota and its metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), play vital roles in the development of pediatric obesity. This manuscript aims to highlight the link between the gut microbiota and obesity by examining microbial imbalances, such as altered Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios and altered SCFA production, especially butyrate, propionate, and acetate. Advances in genomic technologies, such as 16S rRNA sequencing, have enabled personalized treatments and detailed profiling of microbial diversity. This review includes not only preclinical studies but also clinical trials of interventions, such as probiotics, synbiotics, prebiotics, and butyrate supplements. These may modify the microbiota and SCFA levels to reduce obesity and related conditions, such as metabolic syndrome and precocious puberty. Future research should focus on using advanced genomic sequencing techniques to develop new therapeutic strategies, as well as on creating a complex predictive algorithm for assessing metabolic risk in pediatric patients with obesity, an innovation that can be extended to other metabolic conditions.

Background: Despite advancements in prevention and treatment, peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a public health burden, with potentially high mortality rates when not managed properly. Recent studies indicate bleeding as the most prevalent complication, followed by perforation or penetration into adjacent organs and pyloric obstruction. In rare cases, posterior wall or greater curvature ulcers of the stomach can penetrate, leading to splenic artery pseudoaneurysms. With nonspecific symptoms and low incidence, it is highly important that these entities are not overlooked in the diagnosis of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Case Report: We present the case of a 44-year-old patient presenting for upper abdominal pain and haematemesis while being haemodynamically stable. Emergency ultrasound described a dysmorphic spleen, with a transonic image with a Doppler signal in the splenic hilum. Upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy detected a blood-filled stomach, without the possibility of identifying the bleeding source. The CT scan revealed active bleeding with peri splenic haematoma. Intraoperatively, a posterior gastric wall penetration into the spleen was identified, and an atypical gastric resection and caudal splenopancreatectomy were performed. The postoperative course was marked by the identification of a staple line leak in the upper pole of the stomach, which was treated conservatively, with a favourable outcome, and the patient was discharged after two weeks. Conclusions: Upper gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage needs fast intervention and suitable management. The multidisciplinary team plays a key role in identifying and treating rare causes such as penetration into the splenic hilum.